My question to the Prime Minister following his announcement to remove the Coronavirus Act

Rt Hon Sir John Redwood MP (Wokingham) (Con): It is great news that our freedoms are being restored, so will the Prime Minister now bring the same focus and Government innovation shown on this topic to vanquish the cost of living crisis so that more people have enough money to enjoy the freedoms?

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister: You bet!

74 Comments

  1. Peter
    February 22, 2022

    Of course he will.

    1. Peter
      February 22, 2022

      Meanwhile, Russian military activity has now provided an opportunity for Boris Johnson to act as if he is an important figure on the world stage. It is also a welcome distraction from his domestic woes.

      Apparently there will be sanctions. This despite Russians stuffing money into the pockets of various lawyers, financiers and other intermediaries in The City of London. I cannot imagine these people will voluntarily cooperate if it hits them in the pocket. Loopholes will be found.

      It’s like when the East India Company got into difficulties when it was a huge source of loot for many Britons. People made fortunes and came back to Britain. Many bought parliamentary seats in Rotten boroughs. Many MPs also had shares in the East India Company and were not about to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. EIC was arguably the first globalist, multinational corporation which had more power than many governments and a much bigger private army than the British army of the time.

  2. lifelogic
    February 22, 2022

    So a complete U turn by Boris over his tax and regulated to death, rip off unreliable energy and the net zero policies that he has idiotically pushed so far then? We shall see.

  3. Donna
    February 22, 2022

    “You bet” is neither confirmation or rejection of your question Sir John. It’s a non-answer, intended to instil confidence that he will do what you propose, without actually committing to it.

    Always sceptical, I am now firmly in the camp that no longer believes a word this Pretendy-Conservative Government says.

    And so-called freedoms are not freedoms if an authoritarian, power-crazed bunch of mathematical modellers, “scientists” and Ministers can suspend them for two years without even bothering to get the approval of Parliament, let alone the people who will be affected.

    1. Jim Whitehead
      February 22, 2022

      Donna, +1, Three concise and astute paragraphs, thank you.

    2. cynic
      February 22, 2022

      “you bet” an appropriate reply from a gambler like Boris. He shows little aptitude for dealing with financial matters, and has a Chancellor who is out of his depth and just doing what his advisors tell him.

    3. Peter Wood
      February 22, 2022

      Quite so, frankly a silly ‘gift question’, not in keeping with the more serious proposals made by our host here.

      The urgency of action needed to help the nation recover and grow, and rescind debilitating laws cannot be underestimated. As IDS is reported as saying yesterday, so far the Johnson government has done ‘sweet FA’ to rid us of EU red tape. GET ON WITH IT!

    4. BeebTax
      February 22, 2022

      +1. Well put. On your last point my concern is also what’s to stop them repeating the process, now they know they can get away with it?

    5. Lifelogic
      February 22, 2022

      Indeed and even more depressing is the only realistic alternatives are all even worse still.

  4. Everhopeful
    February 22, 2022

    He is actually getting rid of the Act?
    Not just lifting certain restrictions?
    ( Or maybe they are one and the same?).

    1. glen cullen
      February 22, 2022

      Boris doesn’t do detail….but he’s not really a big-picture guy either….he’ll what carrie tells him

      1. Everhopeful
        February 22, 2022

        +1
        Lol
        I bet you’re right 🤗

  5. John Miller
    February 22, 2022

    If only as much thought had gone into the answer as was put into the question!

    1. Everhopeful
      February 22, 2022

      +1
      Yes..exactly!
      Utter rudeness.
      Or more likely fear of someone who knows what they are talking about!

  6. Mickey Taking
    February 22, 2022

    ‘Government innovation shown on this topic to vanquish the cost of living crisis so that more people have enough money to enjoy the freedoms’.
    I’m afraid me like millions of others would not take Johnson’s bet.

  7. No Longer Anonymous
    February 22, 2022

    Well. Now we have a war to fight, thanks to the EU which was never meant to extend up to the Russian border (certainly not when the 1975 vote was taken.)

    The significance of this is that Putin waited until after the Chinese Olympics. Under orders from Beijing ?

    Well done the EU/Nato. Produced an allegiance between two powerful leaders against us and the possibility of WW3 because of a country we cannot possibly understand and one that we had no right interfering in.

    I’m sure the cost of living crisis (and partygate) can be kicked into the long grass now… bet Boris can’t believe his luck.

    1. rose
      February 22, 2022

      He didn’t just wait till after the Olympics: he waited till after the rigged American election.

      1. No Longer Anonymous
        February 22, 2022

        The day after the closing ceremony ? We’re to believe that’s coincidence bearing in mind Putin was upbraided by Beijing for invading Crimea during their last Olympics ?

        1. rose
          February 23, 2022

          No, NLA, neither is coincidence. He has to take account of both world powers in his calculation. He is more cautious than people think.

    2. Nottingham Lad Himself
      February 23, 2022

      The European Union has no military nor defence department.

      It sent neither materiel nor personnel to Ukraine.

      The recent diplomatic missions have been by national leaders such as Macron in that capacity.

      Who are this “we” yet again?

  8. Sea_Warrior
    February 22, 2022

    If the government wants to ease the cost of living crisis it should resolve to add no new financial obligations on businesses.

  9. SecretPeople
    February 22, 2022

    Dear Sir John,

    Do you know which those ‘last 4’ provisions are, that will not be lifted but instead enshrined in law? Is he pulling back now only to crack down hard once he has the legal armoury? I hope you and other good people will ensure our freedom of speech, thought and bodily autonomy are protected.

    From the PM’s statement to the Commons:
    “And Mr Speaker, the government will also expire all temporary provisions of the Coronavirus Act.
    Of the original 40, 20 have already expired, 16 will expire on 24 March, and the last 4 relating to innovations in public service will expire six months later, after we have made those improvements permanent via other means.”

    1. Bill B.
      February 22, 2022

      Does this mean that the Coronavirus Act will be renewed in March to allow for the continuation of the ‘last 4’ restrictions, does anyone know?

      Because if it is renewed, that Act allows for all kinds of restrictions to be brought in again – ‘stood up’ as Johnson put it the other day.

      1. SecretPeople
        February 23, 2022

        I wish someone would shine a light on this, Bill.

  10. Len Peel
    February 22, 2022

    Like an exchange between Cicero and Oscar Wilde

    1. Philip P.
      February 22, 2022

      I challenge anyone to find in the records of Hansard a more inane response to a Parliamentary question than the one given to our host. Johnson is an oaf and a disgrace to his country- just look at the way he dressed recently for photoshots of international meetings.

      1. Vernon Wright
        February 23, 2022

        Or, indeed, how he looks where ever he’s seen. The most disgusting example was his appearance at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral: surrounded by Philip’s beautifully dressed family and, one need hardly mention, the smartest — if now much diminished — military in the World, he looked like a sack of sugar!

        His attire reflects his cerebral matter.

        ΠΞ

  11. formula57
    February 22, 2022

    “You bet!” – and you lose!

    And Boris loses if anyone is smart enough to emulate Ronald Reagan and say to the electorate, “Now ask yourself this question, do you feel better off now or when Boris Johnson was first appointed Prime Minister?”

  12. Nottingham Lad Himself
    February 22, 2022

    This government’s brexit has removed more freedoms from sixty-eight million people than twenty covid rule repeals would ever confer.

    1. Sea_Warrior
      February 22, 2022

      If I wanted to live in the EU, I could. (Portugal’s the easiest option.) If I wanted to work there, I could. And if I want to travel there – as I will next month – I can. I have all the ‘freedoms’ I need – but now, happily, fewer of the downsides to being in your precious empire.

    2. No Longer Anonymous
      February 22, 2022

      Um – no.

    3. Peter2
      February 22, 2022

      One of your very silliest posts ever NHL
      Covid was a unique set of legal restrictions on people, businesses, travelling around in the UK or going abroad.
      People fined for walking or exercising too far away from their homes
      People locked up in hotels on their return to the UK
      People forced to stay indoors in their own homes unable to see loved ones and other family members
      Hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and shopping centres closed down.
      Sports grounds closed with matched played in empty stadiums.
      Concerts festivals all closed down
      Masks having to be worn in almost all areas.
      And you think these restrictions on our freedoms are not as bad as brexit?
      Your post reaches a new level of brexit hysteria from you.

      1. No Longer Anonymous
        February 22, 2022

        +1 but probably not too much of an issue to NLH who is retired.

    4. Fedupsoutherner
      February 23, 2022

      NLH. I can’t say I’ve noticed.

  13. ukretired123
    February 22, 2022

    Only when the money runs out will people come to their senses but never the government from past experience. Having bet the farm on HS2, net zero and done sweet nothing as IDS noted on EU bureaucracy time is running out…..

    1. Ian Wragg
      February 22, 2022

      And of course continually prevaricating on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

      1. Old Salt
        February 22, 2022

        Ian
        Everything points to United Ireland.

  14. Everhopeful
    February 22, 2022

    JR…I don’t know how you put up with it all.
    A flippant, dismissive response.

  15. Maylor
    February 22, 2022

    I’m sure that we all believe the PM and have every confidence that the necessary measures are in hand !

    I would have also asked him how many parties are planned to celebrate the ending of restrictions and the monies accrued from the covid industry.

  16. BOF
    February 22, 2022

    ‘You bet.’

    How informative! Did he mean; You bet, you lose?

    1. Nottingham Lad Himself
      February 22, 2022

      He’s showing himself to be the American that he actually is.

      1. Peter2
        February 23, 2022

        Is being American a negative in your eyes NHL?
        Perhaps you prefer China or even Russia?
        What is your favourite?
        Oh go on, do tell us.

        1. Nottingham Lad Himself
          February 23, 2022

          If you value the supremacy of the US over the well-being of this country then it is a negative.

          I haven’t seen a single prominent brexiter for whom there was not also evidence of their being a US supremacist.

          1. Peter2
            February 23, 2022

            Supremacy?
            How does the PMs connection to America suddenly spin in your feverish mind to one of American supremacy over the UK.
            Ridiculous.

  17. Wokinghamite
    February 22, 2022

    I strongly disagree with the proposals announced by the P.M. yesterday.

    The requirement to self-isolate after infection has not taken away much freedom and it has been an important protector of public health. The P.M. mentioned the need for continuing caution, but this seems to be throwing caution to the wind.

    We are told that our vaccinations will wear off. If so, won’t that leave us more exposed again? The P.M. announced spring boosters but only for the over-75s and special cases. What about the rest of us, if infected persons no longer have to stay at home and face-coverings are discretionary?

    The Labour leader showed common sense in his response. It will be interesting to see the reply to his question about the scientific basis for the P.M.’s proposals.

  18. Christine
    February 22, 2022

    Why hasn’t the Travel Locator Form been dropped? What is its purpose now?

  19. BeebTax
    February 22, 2022

    “You bet”. I reckon it means “in your dreams, pal”.

  20. alan jutson
    February 22, 2022

    A pathetic response.
    Why is it the Government only seems to be able to think through one task at a time, because this is the real problem, was no one working on any plans whilst Covid was going on, if not why not, what were all of the Departments doing with their time ?
    We have a whole team of Ministers, who control thousands of people in huge Departments, with huge budgets, but all they ever seem to want to do is use Covid as an excuse, not to turn up at the office, so they could work or play at home.
    Meanwhile thousands of self employed and private businesses and Companies were doing their very best to carry on !

  21. X-Tory
    February 22, 2022

    Oh the delicious irony! Sir John gives us, uncritically, an assurance from the PM that he will now tackle the cost of living crisis just above his article attacking (rightly) the appalling increase in NICs!

    The prime minister is a liar and a fraud. Any Conservative MP who continues to support him is complicit.

  22. alan jutson
    February 22, 2022

    Am I the only one who thinks scrapping free testing is a bad idea.
    Yes stop the expensive track and trace, no problem, but for goodness sake let those who are trying to be responsible by testing themselves before attending any crowded indoor areas carry on doing so.
    Yes fully aware Lateral flow tests are not deemed 100% accurate, but surely it is better than nothing.

    John, do you know exactly how much the Government pays for each LFT purchased ?

    1. No Longer Anonymous
      February 22, 2022

      Free testing isn’t free. It costs the taxpayer billions per year and generates figures that are abused by doom mongers and the work shy – which, again, costs the taxpayer billions. If it were not for free testing we probably wouldn’t know there was a bug going around.

      1. alan jutson
        February 23, 2022

        NLA

        Fully aware testing is not free (but free at the point of use) that is why I asked John the question how much does the Government (Taxpayer) pay to purchase such tests. (My guess about 10 pence or less each)
        Boris is asking everyone to be “responsible” yet is taking the very thing away that helps you do exactly that.
        Went to a funeral this week, most who attended had tested themselves that morning to try and make sure they kept each other safe.
        Aware it’s not perfect, but certainly better than having absolutely no idea of your infection status at all, and possibly passing it on to others.
        The government is asking people to be responsible, but is failing to be responsible itself, by taking away the very system that encourages people to do exactly that.

  23. Newmania
    February 22, 2022

    ‘You bet’, is an appropriate response. Sir John Redwood wants you to borrow more. He says that the increased demand will result in increased taxes a virtuous cycle of growth and reward. He quite implausibly frames this as a divergence for long forgotten Maastricht guidelines.
    His views are at odds with the treasury the OBR and everyone who knows anything about anything ,and with nothing having been done to free the supply side of the economy I see no logic myself, other than in the sense of cui bono. Sir John is happy to take a gamble with your money as it will remove unpleasant consequences further from Brexit and allow him and his fellow invent-eers to come with some new ” narrative”. For him it is a one way bet with other people`s money. “You” bet…..indeed.

    Reply Another great rant deliberately misrepresenting my view. My view is lower tax rates will generate more tax revenue thus lowering the deficit.

  24. Mark B
    February 22, 2022

    Good afternoon

    Steady on Sir John, one thing at a time. 🙂

    Seriously though, well done and thank you. When one looks elsewhere and see democracy and freedoms crushed, one is truly grateful to live where we do.

    Again. Many thanks to you and all those MP’s who would not give up the fight for freedom. Let us now hope that others elsewhere take courage and press their governments to do the same.

  25. glen cullen
    February 22, 2022

    So it was just another flu after all

  26. John Hatfield
    February 22, 2022

    Oven ready eh, Boris? Still waiting.

    1. Mickey Taking
      February 23, 2022

      no gas for the oven? electricity outage?

      1. glen cullen
        February 23, 2022

        Could always divert Nord Stream-2 to the UK……its the only way will get any fossil fuel

  27. Adams
    February 22, 2022

    Ask him why he says nothing about Common wealth Country Canada turning into a fascist State Sir J . He seems to prefer a war over Ukraine . As for N Ireland . Who cares ? Not the Tories .

  28. DOM
    February 22, 2022

    Personally, I am grateful to Sir John for providing this safe space onto which we can offload our frustrated views. Maybe John doesn’t realise it but the urge to express one’s view without the fear of State sanction or intervention to punish free people is beyond priceless.

    I for one appreciate this blog even though at times I and indeed others challenge some of the contents of John’s articles. Most are extremely angry at the continuing descent into tyranny and barbarism driven by higher authorities beyond British shores

    Thanks to Sir John for this important public service

    1. No Longer Anonymous
      February 22, 2022

      … and for the moderation, which many complain about but for which I am personally grateful.

    2. Fedupsoutherner
      February 23, 2022

      Dom. I second that because alot of us are angry right now at the wasted opportunities this government is missing. I cant see Starmer being any better either.

  29. mancunius
    February 22, 2022

    “You bet!”
    OK, but given his track record as PM so far, (Northern Ireland, fishing, deregulation, free markets) the chances are 10 to 1 against Boris doing anything he promises to do, and it’s also about 10 to 1 that he’s flagrantly lying about his intention to do so.

    1. Vernon Wright
      February 23, 2022

      Sorry, mancuni, but you seem to have expressed the odds against his lying back to front: should be 1-10 (i.e. ten-to-one ON … if not more)!

      ΠΞ

  30. Fedupsoutherner
    February 22, 2022

    Sod Coronavirus. When are we fracking? The position with Russia means we have missed a great opportunity to be exporters of fuel. How bloody short sighted…..as usual.

  31. APL
    February 22, 2022

    Redwood is of course misleading his readers. The original lockdows, quarantine of people in their own houses, and restriction on movement were not introduced under the Coronavirus act, but by statutory instrument ( not even laid before Parliament on 26th March 2020 ) , namely the Health Protection (Coronavirus Regulations) 2020 “the Regulations”, founded on the dubious assertion that the powers were conferred on it by sections 45C, 45F and 45P by the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.

    The normal procedure would be to scrutinize Hansard to determine if it were ever envisaged that the ’84 act during debates on the act, would ever be used in such a way. If there is no such indication, then the regulations based on the act would exceed the lawful authority, stipulated by the ’84 act.

  32. Beware of the Cat
    February 22, 2022

    I received an email today from Eon outlining my expected energy costs for the year from 1 April. Here’s my reply:

    “Could you please explain why your electricity daily standing charge has almost doubled from 23.770p to 44.750p? This will add ÂŁ75.50 to annual bills on top of the extortionate cost of energy. Not what you’d call a sensible or sensitive approach given the stress that the huge energy cost hike will cause for many households. Has this been sanctioned by Ofgem?”

    I don’t believe Eon can have any legitimate reason for this level of standing charge increase. They are trying to bolster their profits by increasing the financial difficulties of the less well off at the worst possible time. These companies are out of control and Ofgem (who don’t have any control over standing charges) are a joke.

    Perhaps you could have a word with Kwasi Kwarteng?

    1. alan jutson
      February 23, 2022

      B C

      Made exactly the same comment to my supplier SSE about the doubling of the standard charge, with no response.
      Can only assume they have done it because they can, they are all in it together, so we have no choice.

  33. Nig l
    February 23, 2022

    Meaningless game playing. Frankly pathetic and what we gave come to expect

  34. Vernon Wright
    February 23, 2022

    A pity, Sir John, that you didn’t ask whether, in addressing the cost-of-living crisis, the Prime Minister would have permission from his wife to deal with the biggest cause of it: the anthropogenic-climate-change fraud?

    ΠΞ

  35. Iago
    February 23, 2022

    The travel rules are relaxed ONLY for the vaccinated.

  36. Fedupsoutherner
    February 23, 2022

    You bet. As about as vague as the answer in Parliament today in answer to my MP about flooding for numerous times along the rivery Severn.

  37. Graham Wheatley
    February 26, 2022

    Seriously?
    “You bet!”.

    What will I ‘bet’ Boris? That’s the answer of either an incompetent or a liar.

    I would have preferred that you make a more lengthy statement PROMISING that the Coronavirus Act will be repealed in its entirety; that restrictions will be lifted for EVERYBODY; which includes those of us who have done their own research on mRNA ‘vaccines’, decided that they are not what they purport to be, and have decided that we WILL NOT, under any circumstances, submit to being used as Guinea-Pigs in a phase 3 trial for a technology that has never before been used on human subjects (due to all of the animal testing phase subjects having been killed by the tests). They have Emergency Use Authorisation only (in the past ONLY used for when there are NO other suitable interventions. This is NOT Ebola or Bubonic Plague FFS).
    The phase 3 trials (in which we ARE the Guinea-Pigs) are not scheduled to end until January 2023 at the earliest. The vaccine manufacturers’ own documentation states that quite clearly.

    The restrictions are not gone until they are ALL gone.

  38. LJONES
    February 26, 2022

    Do you think he’s toying with us?

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